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Our Impressions of Gateshead International Stadium

The Thunderdome is a modern all-seater stadium with a capacity of 11,800. As well as hosting (of course!) the Thunder it is a top athletics venue (which explains the running track ? unfortunate from a rugby spectator's viewpoint!) and is also home to Gateshead FC.

For almost all games, only the covered Tyne & Wear stand will be open. Safety requirements oblige the club to issue tickets for specific seats, but unless the stand is nearing capacity you can sit where you want so long as you avoid any cordoned off seating, the VIP area (the section of brown seats and those seats below them) and the season ticket areas (behind and to the side of the VIP area). For most games, the three northernmost blocks of seats (i.e. the end furthest away from the Press Box) will be closed.

Disabled AccessWheelchair access can be arranged, with spectators in wheelchairs able to watch from a position alongside the running track. Wheelchair occupants may enter for free and each may bring one guest at a concessionary price ? further guests must pay full price. The club asks that spectators in wheelchairs contact them in advance to give them an idea of numbers and hence allow them to cater properly for wheelchair users. Please contact the office ticketline on (0191) 4400162.

Directions to Gateshead International Stadium

By Road

From the south on the A1/A1(M)
Follow A1(M) to Washington Service Area where it reaches the junction with the A194(M). Take right hand lanes to join A194(M) (signposted Tyne Tunnel, South Shields). At the motorway terminal roundabout (A184) leave Motorway and take 1st exit (signposted Gateshead, Newcastle) to join A184. At Heworth Metro Station roundabout (Junction with A185/B1426) take 2nd exit (straight on). In 1 1/4 miles you will see Gateshead International Stadium on your right.

From the south on the A19

Follow A19 north until you reach the Testos Roundabout (Junction with A184). Take 1st exit A184 (signposted Gateshead). Follow the dual carriageway for approximately 2 miles to Heworth Metro Station (Junction with A185/B1426). At roundabout take 2nd exit (straight on). In 1 1/4 miles you will see Gateshead International Stadium on your right.

From the west on the A69

Follow A69 towards Newcastle until its junction with A1/A186. At roundabout take 3rd exit (signposted Gateshead) to join A1. Follow the A1 for 4.3 miles to the junction with A184. Branch left to join A184 (signposted Newcastle, Gateshead) At junction with A189 branch left then at roundabout take 3rd exit (signposted Gateshead Town Centre) to continue with A184. At next roundabout take 2nd exit (signposted Sunderland). In 1/4 mile at roundabout take 1st exit into Regent Street. At next roundabout take 2nd exit. After a mile you will see Gateshead International Stadium on your left.

Tyne and Wear Metro

For those travelling to the ground on public transport, the stadium has it's own station on the Tyne and Wear Metro system only 5 minutes walk away. Services are frequent and the ground is well signposted when you arrive.

Local Area around Gateshead International Stadium

Car Parking

Parking is available near the stadium, which is served by an excellent road network and is easily reached from all main routes into the area.